TTMA Weight Loss Surgery

[eleephant]

So I am considering weight loss surgery. Some background- I have always been overweight, I come from a family that is also overweight. I'm young and done having children. I've also tried and failed many diets.

It wouldn't be my first option. I am making an appointment with a new doctor (we recently moved).

I just need personal experiences of the whole process. I want to say that I am not naive and I do understand that it is not a simple fix, a quick fix, or a magical solution.

TIA!

[hawkward]

Hi! I had gastric bypass about five months ago. I'm very very happy I did it. 

I chose GBP (aka RNY) over the sleeve because for me, insulin was a big factor (PCOS), and GBP is better for that. I was given the choice, but strongly encouraged to do GBP, and I had already been leaning toward it. 

For me, I had been in really good shape until PCOS hormones and taking care of a sick kid (and not myself) kicked my ass. I gained weight not taking care of myself, and PCOS just wouldn't let me lose no matter what I tried.  When I hit the BMI that qualified me for surgery, I knew there was no going back on my own with just diet and exercise because I had been doing that unsuccessfully. I think that has made things a little easier for me than some because I didn't have any dramatic lifestyle changes to make-- my diet was already okay, and I was already active (I'm a lot more active now though because I feel so much better).

I can't even begin to describe how amazing I feel. I've lost 95 lb and I run every morning and still have tons of energy left for the day. Now that I'm in the habit of post-surgery meals, eating is NBD (it's harder for me to remember to eat than it is to figure out what is/isn't okay). I tell people it's the easiest hard thing I've ever done. I can't really think of much that I miss because for me, there hasn't really been any "off limits" foods as long as I limit myself to a bite or two (and that really isn't hard to do anymore). 

The cons: the first few weeks after surgery are hard. Everything is nauseating, it's painful, and you don't know how your body will react to foods, so you never know what will make you sick. It's hard to stay hydrated. For some reason, water still makes me sick to my stomach so I have to really force myself to remember to get enough fluids in. I'm starting to get to the point that I'm not thrilled with the loose skin. It's not terrible, but I am a bit vain about it. I have to be very conscious to eat enough or I don't have enough energy (and in that same vein, I miss caffeine!). I was also very anemic for a while, and that was rough, but I've finally gotten on top of that. I've been lucky enough to not deal with much dumping syndrome, but I know some people have a hard time with it. I still have to be very conscious of not eating too quickly and feeling sick from that. 

If there is anything specific you want to know, just ask!

[eleephant]

Aug 24, 2017 5:55:23 GMT -6 hawkward said:

Hi! I had gastric bypass about five months ago. I'm very very happy I did it. 

I chose GBP (aka RNY) over the sleeve because for me, insulin was a big factor (PCOS), and GBP is better for that. I was given the choice, but strongly encouraged to do GBP, and I had already been leaning toward it. 

For me, I had been in really good shape until PCOS hormones and taking care of a sick kid (and not myself) kicked my ass. I gained weight not taking care of myself, and PCOS just wouldn't let me lose no matter what I tried.  When I hit the BMI that qualified me for surgery, I knew there was no going back on my own with just diet and exercise because I had been doing that unsuccessfully. I think that has made things a little easier for me than some because I didn't have any dramatic lifestyle changes to make-- my diet was already okay, and I was already active (I'm a lot more active now though because I feel so much better).

I can't even begin to describe how amazing I feel. I've lost 95 lb and I run every morning and still have tons of energy left for the day. Now that I'm in the habit of post-surgery meals, eating is NBD (it's harder for me to remember to eat than it is to figure out what is/isn't okay). I tell people it's the easiest hard thing I've ever done. I can't really think of much that I miss because for me, there hasn't really been any "off limits" foods as long as I limit myself to a bite or two (and that really isn't hard to do anymore). 

The cons: the first few weeks after surgery are hard. Everything is nauseating, it's painful, and you don't know how your body will react to foods, so you never know what will make you sick. It's hard to stay hydrated. For some reason, water still makes me sick to my stomach so I have to really force myself to remember to get enough fluids in. I'm starting to get to the point that I'm not thrilled with the loose skin. It's not terrible, but I am a bit vain about it. I have to be very conscious to eat enough or I don't have enough energy (and in that same vein, I miss caffeine!). I was also very anemic for a while, and that was rough, but I've finally gotten on top of that. I've been lucky enough to not deal with much dumping syndrome, but I know some people have a hard time with it. I still have to be very conscious of not eating too quickly and feeling sick from that. 

If there is anything specific you want to know, just ask!

Thank you for sharing your experience! I'm worried about sagging extra skin. I really wouldn't want a second surgery to remove it, but I'm not sure that there is a way to avoid it. You mentioned having some sagging skin, did your doctor say that there was a way to get rid of it without surgery?

[hawkward]

eleephant, to some extent you can help it tighten up with weight lifting, but past a certain point there's not much you can do. My surgeon told me give the skin time to catch up with the rest of my body too, and hydrate and moisturize well. I probably won't do surgery for it unless it gets really bad (like causing skin infections).

I will say though that I actually expected it to be worse after almost 100 lb, and it's really not terrible. The worst is where I already had stretch marks from pregnancy. I'm most vain about my upper arms, but I'm hoping that will tone up more.

[eleephant]

Aug 24, 2017 14:32:39 GMT -6 hawkward said:

eleephant, to some extent you can help it tighten up with weight lifting, but past a certain point there's not much you can do. My surgeon told me give the skin time to catch up with the rest of my body too, and hydrate and moisturize well. I probably won't do surgery for it unless it gets really bad (like causing skin infections).

I will say though that I actually expected it to be worse after almost 100 lb, and it's really not terrible. The worst is where I already had stretch marks from pregnancy. I'm most vain about my upper arms, but I'm hoping that will tone up more.

Well that is encouraging! I would have about 150 pounds to loose to be at a good weight.

I have an appointment set up to talk to my new doctor and I am continuing to do research to make a more informed decision. The surgery is starting to sound better and better, but it's still surgery. I've just come to a point in my life where I know I need to do something and I need to do it soon. I'm only 25, but it will only get harder the older I get.

[eleephant]

Aug 24, 2017 5:55:23 GMT -6 hawkward said:

Hi! I had gastric bypass about five months ago. I'm very very happy I did it. 

I chose GBP (aka RNY) over the sleeve because for me, insulin was a big factor (PCOS), and GBP is better for that. I was given the choice, but strongly encouraged to do GBP, and I had already been leaning toward it. 

For me, I had been in really good shape until PCOS hormones and taking care of a sick kid (and not myself) kicked my ass. I gained weight not taking care of myself, and PCOS just wouldn't let me lose no matter what I tried.  When I hit the BMI that qualified me for surgery, I knew there was no going back on my own with just diet and exercise because I had been doing that unsuccessfully. I think that has made things a little easier for me than some because I didn't have any dramatic lifestyle changes to make-- my diet was already okay, and I was already active (I'm a lot more active now though because I feel so much better).

I can't even begin to describe how amazing I feel. I've lost 95 lb and I run every morning and still have tons of energy left for the day. Now that I'm in the habit of post-surgery meals, eating is NBD (it's harder for me to remember to eat than it is to figure out what is/isn't okay). I tell people it's the easiest hard thing I've ever done. I can't really think of much that I miss because for me, there hasn't really been any "off limits" foods as long as I limit myself to a bite or two (and that really isn't hard to do anymore). 

The cons: the first few weeks after surgery are hard. Everything is nauseating, it's painful, and you don't know how your body will react to foods, so you never know what will make you sick. It's hard to stay hydrated. For some reason, water still makes me sick to my stomach so I have to really force myself to remember to get enough fluids in. I'm starting to get to the point that I'm not thrilled with the loose skin. It's not terrible, but I am a bit vain about it. I have to be very conscious to eat enough or I don't have enough energy (and in that same vein, I miss caffeine!). I was also very anemic for a while, and that was rough, but I've finally gotten on top of that. I've been lucky enough to not deal with much dumping syndrome, but I know some people have a hard time with it. I still have to be very conscious of not eating too quickly and feeling sick from that. 

If there is anything specific you want to know, just ask!

Hi again! I hope you don't mind me tagging you in again.

I have my doctors appointment tomorrow to talk about the possibility for surgery. I was wondering if you had any advice of things I should Ask?

I'm extremely nervous and unexpectedly emotional over this. I'm sorry if tagging you was the wrong thing to do then I am so sorry. I wasn't sure where I should put this.

One last thing, I saw your post about being down to your goal weight and I am just so happy for you, and I don't even know you. Congrats!

[hawkward]

Hey! Thanks! You can always tag or PM me if you need

I'm excited for you that you have your appointment tomorrow! Honestly for me, walking into that first appointment was the hardest. I was really emotional about it too, and I'm really not normally an emotional person. It feels very vulnerable. Something that helped me was my PCM telling me that first appointment doesn't mean you're signing anything in blood. It's informational and you can back out at any point. Since it felt like such a huge step, that kind of took the pressure off.

I would ask what your surgeon's protocol is for weight loss requirements and time frames, and make sure that is consistent with your insurance requirements because that can vary from policy to policy and doctor to doctor. You don't want to get months into the program and then get denied because you didn't jump through the right hoops. Find out what their requirements are for nutritionists and exercise therapists, and who pays for what (for example I had to pay OOP for my first nutrition appointment but others were covered).

I would also ask what their follow-up care is like. My surgeon has a very good record but a terrible bedside manner. I've been mostly on my own since the surgery was done, and although I've done just fine, there are times I would have liked more guidance. I spent a lot of time googling things I feel like they should have told me. I probably should have joined the support group they sponsor, but with small kids it's hard to work out the time for something like that when you're also working in gym time, appointment times, and on and on. (I did have to prove that I had sought out some sort of support group. I showed them the online messages I had exchanged with TCF posters, and that was good enough for them.)

Do you have a particular type of surgery in mind? The different options have different success rates, and that can vary by surgeon too. I would personally push you toward Roux-En-Y because although the beginning is harder (it's more of an adjustment for your body), most people have more weight loss and less regain.

[eleephant]

Thank you so much for this! I didn't see this until now but it's still extremely helpful.

So I saw my PCP and talked about my options. She said I'm a great candidate and we talked a bit about insurance and programs. We also discussed the likely hoops that I will have to jump through regarding insurance. I have a referral to meet with the bariatric surgeon. Right now I have to call my insurance company and discuss what I have to do on their end. I won't know more about which surgery until I meet with the surgeon.

I also have referrals for a therapist and I'm so happy for that. I also have an in law that had weight loss surgery that I plan on talking to, unfortunately she is not local to me. I've been so emotional over all of this and I'm just relieved that it's even an option for me. I appreciate that you have taken time out to respond to me! Your story has been so inspirational to me.

Edit to tag hawkward

[Ali7P]

eleephant, I read this post when it came up last summer and again when it popped back up last week.
I don't have any experience to share but wanted to wish you good luck in your journey.

[hawkward]

eleephant, I'm glad the appointment went well! I only had to go to one counseling session, but he was very helpful to talk to. He had several scenarios that he said he would have wanted me to come back for more appointments before signing off on my surgery, like if I had shown any signs of an addictive personality (very common apparently), not had a good support system in place, or seemed conflicted at all.

[eleephant]

Jan 29, 2018 7:55:26 GMT -6 Ali7P said:

eleephant, I read this post when it came up last summer and again when it popped back up last week.
I don't have any experience to share but wanted to wish you good luck in your journey.

Thank you!

[eleephant]

Jan 29, 2018 8:43:01 GMT -6 hawkward said:

eleephant, I'm glad the appointment went well! I only had to go to one counseling session, but he was very helpful to talk to. He had several scenarios that he said he would have wanted me to come back for more appointments before signing off on my surgery, like if I had shown any signs of an addictive personality (very common apparently), not had a good support system in place, or seemed conflicted at all.

Well I also have anxiety so that's why I have multiple appointments but I'm still required to have one for the surgery as well.

If you don't mind, I would love to keep updating this thread, to kind of journal this all down??

[hawkward]

eleephant, of course! And anytime you run into anything you need to talk about, just let me know!

I'm actually going back to my surgeon Friday to talk about removing my gallbladder. Apparently that's a pretty common "complication" after WLS.

[eleephant]

Jan 29, 2018 10:39:38 GMT -6 hawkward said:

eleephant, of course! And anytime you run into anything you need to talk about, just let me know!

I'm actually going back to my surgeon Friday to talk about removing my gallbladder. Apparently that's a pretty common "complication" after WLS.

I appreciate it! Also, good luck!

[eleephant]

Jan 29, 2018 10:39:38 GMT -6 hawkward said:

eleephant, of course! And anytime you run into anything you need to talk about, just let me know!

I'm actually going back to my surgeon Friday to talk about removing my gallbladder. Apparently that's a pretty common "complication" after WLS.

Hey hawkward, I could use some advice. So with the reality of all of this my husband and I had a sit down talk about having more children. We both decided that we were not finished and want 1 more, so now I'm kind of scrambling trying to figure out what would be best.

I think we should try for 1 more (and hopefully be successful) and then I get the surgery. I wouldn't want to have it and then get pregnant and gain a bunch of weight back. Since you have experience, what do you think would be best?

Also, I should still make an appointment with the bariatric surgeon and talk about this with him? Or should I make an appointment with my PCP and discuss it with her? Neither?

Regardless, I will continue to try and loose weight on my own. I'm down 3 pounds this week, hopefully I can keep the motivation up.

[hawkward]

eleephant, I waited. We still kind of want one more, but I don't think it's in the cards for us, and if I'm honest, regain is a big factor. BUT I also know that a lot of studies have shown that pregnancy is easier/safer after WLS. I know that women with PCOS have the surgery and then go on to have healthy successful pregnancies. When I was considering it, the stories I read were about 50/50 for whether or not it was easy to re-lose after pregnancy.

So basically I think they're both valid choices. I would go ahead and keep the appointment with the surgeon. He may have experience with this that he can share with you.

Congratulations on the loss!

[eleephant]

Thank you! And also thank you for the advice. I appreciate it so much! My husband was also scheduled to meet with a urologist for a vasectomy which is what kind of made us go....uh wait a second haha. Anyways, I will definitely keep my appointment!


Edit to add tag since I keep forgetting hawkward

[wedding]

Hi there! I had bypass a few weeks after hawkward. I'm down 120# from where I started. It's been amazing! I am at a point now where I can eat more and have to pay attention more to what I'm doing but I try to keep it lower carb and eat protein first and that works for me. In terms of skin I do have loose skin. It's not noticeable at all in clothes but I know it's there. I was told to give it a good year after hitting goal to see what it looks like. I wouldn't have surgery on it since it's not enough to rub together or anything.

Regarding kids after, we are done but the general rule is to wait two years post op to get pregnant again because there can be absorption issues and growth issues with the fetus. My cousin had a baby about three years post op. She had these issues even though it was further out than recommended and he was born at 30 weeks. Given that, I would have all my kids prior to surgery. Plus now she is having a harder time getting all the pregnancy weight off.

I had to go to a lot of appointments to get surgery approval. Both as a requirement of my Dr and surgery. I had 3 nutrition consults, a psych consult, two support groups, and a couple other things. It was a lot and took about three months to do everything but it was worth it and gave me time to digest all the info. Surgery itself was a hard recovery the first couple of weeks for me but once I turned the corner, it was great. I am a puker anyway so it took a while for me to figure out what worked for me and what didn't. I've also had dumping syndrome a few times and while it sucked, i will never again eat a McDonalds chicken nugget so it served its purposes.

I am definitely a food addict. I have an addictive personality and am a recovering alcoholic as well. Because of this, it's still a lot of work and I need to be conscious of my triggers like stress and sickness. I am sure it will always be a struggle but seeing the number on the scale now and looking back on old pics had been a huge motivator. I'm also more active. I run a few times a week and did my first 5k in October. I've always been anti exercise but now that I can do it, it's so invigorating.

Anyway that was a ramble but I hope that helps in some way. Good luck!

[eleephant]

Feb 3, 2018 17:39:36 GMT -6 wedding said:

Hi there! I had bypass a few weeks after hawkward. I'm down 120# from where I started. It's been amazing! I am at a point now where I can eat more and have to pay attention more to what I'm doing but I try to keep it lower carb and eat protein first and that works for me. In terms of skin I do have loose skin. It's not noticeable at all in clothes but I know it's there. I was told to give it a good year after hitting goal to see what it looks like. I wouldn't have surgery on it since it's not enough to rub together or anything.

Regarding kids after, we are done but the general rule is to wait two years post op to get pregnant again because there can be absorption issues and growth issues with the fetus. My cousin had a baby about three years post op. She had these issues even though it was further out than recommended and he was born at 30 weeks. Given that, I would have all my kids prior to surgery. Plus now she is having a harder time getting all the pregnancy weight off.

I had to go to a lot of appointments to get surgery approval. Both as a requirement of my Dr and surgery. I had 3 nutrition consults, a psych consult, two support groups, and a couple other things. It was a lot and took about three months to do everything but it was worth it and gave me time to digest all the info. Surgery itself was a hard recovery the first couple of weeks for me but once I turned the corner, it was great. I am a puker anyway so it took a while for me to figure out what worked for me and what didn't. I've also had dumping syndrome a few times and while it sucked, i will never again eat a McDonalds chicken nugget so it served its purposes.

I am definitely a food addict. I have an addictive personality and am a recovering alcoholic as well. Because of this, it's still a lot of work and I need to be conscious of my triggers like stress and sickness. I am sure it will always be a struggle but seeing the number on the scale now and looking back on old pics had been a huge motivator. I'm also more active. I run a few times a week and did my first 5k in October. I've always been anti exercise but now that I can do it, it's so invigorating.

Anyway that was a ramble but I hope that helps in some way. Good luck!

Thank you so much! I'm sorry I didn't respond, I just now saw this. I love all the information, it's very helpful to hear personal experiences.

Right now we have put the surgery off until January 2019. We are currently TTC, but if we do not conceive by January then we are moving along with the surgery and considering ourselves done having anymore children. Well that's the tentative plan right now, anyways. I understand things could change.

Right now I'm focusing on loosing weight. I'm down about 15lbs since the new year and about 8lbs have been since the end of January when I started to actually try. I'm in a weight loss bet with my family which is encouraging me.

I'm working out 5 days a week and eating less carbs, more protein and of course plenty of vegetables. Also trying to drink a ton more water. It's been hard and emotional but it's encouraging to actually stick to something.

I appreciate everyone who has responded! Sorry for unloading, I don't have many IRL friends and my husband is living this with me so I talk it to death with him. It's nice to get it out there.